I'm thinking of buying a new '04 F150 4x4, but was wondering about the trailering / towing & off-road performance. I sure would appreciate anyone willing to share their experiences pulling a heavy trailer / camper / boat (7000#, +) and off-roading. I live in south Louisiana and the main conditions encountered will be mud, mud & more mud. Thanks for the info. - by the way this truck will be my first every 4x4, so I'm really looking forward to it.


1977 F-100, F150 rear springs, dual exhaust 12" glass packs (backwards) - I missed the 80's & 90's because my '77 just wouldn't quit and it still hasn't.

 

I can't really give you a comparison because this is my first 4x4 as well. But I can say that I have taken this truck off road and never once felt like it was having a hard time with the terrain. In fact, I felt more comfortable driving through the river bottoms than I do on the highway. I climbed a small mound on the side of the dirt road we were on. It was about 3 foot high and greater than a 45 degree incline. It walked right up it. It plows through snow too. As far as mud... I think it's going to be a long time before I dip this $30k truck into the mud

 

If you plan on getting very far in mud, you better be planning on ditching the OEM tires quick. First time I ventured off the pavement, it only took me 45 seconds and I was calling a friend to come get me. I immediately had the factory tires ditched and got a real set of truck tires.

 

How about a winch? It looks like Ford has a winch "nest" in the front bumper - has anyone installed a winch yet? If so, how'd the install go?

About that low ground clearance of 8.3", is there any reasonable way to improve on this, or is it really a problem?

 

I was actually pretty surprised with the tires, although they will get replaced this fall.

I took my FX4 through some of our "Alabama Cultured" mudholes a couple of weeks ago and had no problems. Threw it in 4WD for the first hole, spun it around, and kept it in 2WD the rest of the time.

Anyone doing regular mudding should have grips though.

 

I have gone snowin and muddin and have had ZERO problems and I have a low profile BIG tire on my truck!

 

Better lift that truck, because that slop will swallow that truck. I know this from many hunting trips near DeQuincy, La.